Acciona and WSP Win Yarraville Crossing Contract as Melbourne Airport and Qantas Shift Operations

An alliance between Acciona and WSP has won a Melbourne contract to close a crossing in Yarraville, according to a report from Railway Supply. The contract comes amid ongoing work on level crossings across the city, with both Rail Express and Roads & Infrastructure Magazine reporting that a contract has been awarded for the removal of a level crossing described as dangerous. Separately, Geomechanics.io has published design notes for engineers covering the Anderson Street and Hudson Road level crossing removal.

Major changes are also taking place for passengers travelling through Melbourne Airport. Karryon reported that a $4.5B terminal expansion at Melbourne Airport has moved a step closer. At the same time, Executive Traveller reported that Qantas has axed the A380, as well as first class, from Melbourne.

Across the rail network, passengers face both short-term disruptions and new service announcements alongside broader transport pledges. Bicycle Network reported on rail disruptions taking place this fortnight, while Rail Express reported on a repair hub powering rail reliability. On the regional network, The Standard in Warrnambool reported that the V/Line boss has revealed what is next after a "spanner in the works" was finally fixed. In addition, South West Local News reported that six-carriages are to roll in, though only on limited services.

Political debate over regional rail, freight and metropolitan road maintenance also continues. Wimmera Mallee News reported on a Coalition $51m pledge to bring passenger trains back. In the freight sector, Daily Cargo News reported that the Australian Logistics Council has urged people to love their trucks. Meanwhile, road conditions in the state capital have drawn criticism, with The Australian reporting on potholes in Melbourne and stating that the city lost its swagger before the potholes arrived.